This surgery is performed under a local or general anaesthetic. It takes around one to three hours depending on the extent of the surgery.
This is a relatively straightforward operation for you and your surgeon. There are two types of blepharoplasty which are:
This is the most popular form of blepharoplasty. It requires the surgeon to make an incision inside the lower eyelid. He/she will then remove excess fat but not skin from beneath the eye.
This is where the incision is made through the skin. It involves both the upper and lower eyelids, if excess skin is a problem. The surgeon will make a series of tiny incisions in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. He/she will make tiny incisions just under the eyelashes on the lower lids if required.
There is a newer procedure called the SOOF lift. This stands for Sub Orbicularis Oculi Fat Lift which involves lifting this SOOF pad or fat in the eyelids. Any fat taken from this area is replaced behind the muscle underneath the eye itself.
Whichever procedure you have depends on your personal preferences and your surgeon’s advice.
Upper eyelids: if you are having your upper eyelids done then your surgeon will make an incision in the natural crease just above the eyelashes. These incisions can extend into the ‘crow’s feet’ at the side of your eyes.
Your surgeon will then separate the skin from the other subcutaneous layers and will cut away any excess fat. He/she will then trim sagging muscle and skin. He/she will then close these incisions with tiny stitches.
Lower eyelids: if you have chosen to have your lower lids done then your surgeon will make the incisions underneath the eyelids and extend these into the ‘crow’s feet’ area.
He/she will lift the skin upwards and outwards which tightens and firms the skin. This also removes overlapping skin. He/she will then close the incisions with a series of fine stitches. Your surgeon will try and ensure that the stitches are very well camouflaged by placing them near to the eyelashes.
In either case, the stitches will be removed 5 days after your surgery. After the surgery your eyes will be lubricated with a special ointment and a bandage may be applied.